Events

Dr. Elizabeth Stegemoller earned her bachelor’s degrees in Music Therapy and Biology from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Following her degrees, she worked as a clinical music therapist before returning to graduate school earning her doctoral degree in Neuroscience at Northwestern University and then a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Florida. She is currently Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Kinesiology at Iowa State University. Dr. Stegemoller’s main research focus is to determine how music influences motor and non-motor symptoms and associated brain activity in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). She currently has multiple funded projects examining the effects of music/singing on swallow, stress and inflammation, repetitive movements, and associated neurophysiology in persons with PD, with over 60 publications. Along with her research, Dr. Stegemoller offers several yearly events and weekly outreach programs for persons with PD, including singing, dance, and boxing groups. Dr. Stegemoller hopes that through her research and outreach efforts, she can contribute to the development of new and innovated therapies involving music that demonstrate effectiveness of music therapy in treatment and care of persons with PD.

 

Christine Harlander, MSN, ARNP, is a full-time nurse practitioner for St. Croix Hospice where she covers the Cedar Rapids and Davenport areas. She spent 8 years serving on the Palliative Care Consult Team at the University of Iowa where she performed both inpatient and outpatient consultations. She continues to work at a PRN provider in the Urgent/Quick Care Setting, to nurture her family practice side. After initiating and co-chairing the IPOST Pilot Projects, she now serves on the State Task Force for the IPOST initiative and is Faculty with Respecting Choices.

 

Anne O’Rear holds a Bachelor of Science in Gerontology, as well as certifications in Care Management, Dementia Care, and Activity and Program Planning. She brings 12 years of healthcare experience and over 18 years of personal and professional experience in dementia care to her role as Program Coordinator for the Broadlawns Memory Clinic. Anne is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals living with dementia and their care partners through education, support, and community partnerships.

 

Josie Krause holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Physiology from the University of Iowa and has been a dedicated member of the On With Life team since 2015. Throughout her career, she has contributed to three clinical programs: Supported Community Living, Residential Rehabilitation, and Skilled Inpatient Rehabilitation.  In her roles at On With Life, Josie has supported individuals with acquired and traumatic brain injuries in navigating and accessing their homes and communities. Additionally, she played a key role in structuring the organization's Residential Neuro Rehabilitation House, where she trained staff and assisted persons served in regaining the skills necessary for community living.  Josie currently serves as a Social Worker and Discharge Planner for the Skilled Inpatient Rehabilitation program. In her role, she collaborates with persons served and their families to establish appropriate living accommodations, secure essential community resources, and coordinate comprehensive discharge plans. Josie is committed to guiding and supporting individuals and their families as they navigate complex life transitions following neurological injury.  In her free time, Josie enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and experiencing new things with her husband and 3 children.  

 

Erin Meyer, Care Coordinator/Social Worker, is a dedicated and compassionate social worker with over 19 years of experience in healthcare care coordination and discharge planning. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, establishing a strong foundation in client-centered advocacy and systemic support. Prior to her current role, Erin spent 13 years as a discharge planner and care coordinator at Mercy Medical Center, where she specialized in navigating complex transitions of care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient advocacy. In 2020, Erin joined the team at On With Life, where she continues to support individuals and their families through rehabilitation and recovery, ensuring they have the resources and support systems necessary for successful community reintegration.

 

Samantha Braune, M.S., is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and the Director of Community Services at On With Life. She has more than 12 years of experience supporting individuals with brain injuries across residential rehabilitation, community-based services, adult day programming, and skilled nursing settings. In her leadership roles, Samantha has overseen interdisciplinary teams, developed person-centered programs, and helped staff understand how changes in cognition, communication, behavior, and emotional regulation can affect everyday care. She holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and is passionate about translating brain injury knowledge into practical strategies that professionals can use to improve engagement, reduce frustration, and better support the individuals and families they serve.

 

Elena Lamaak is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. She received her Master in Counseling & Art Therapy from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, WI and a Bachelors Degree from Simpson College. Elena has experience working in the public school system, hospital, youth shelter, and nursing homes. She loves working from an expressive art, holistic wellness, strengths based, and attachment based approach, and loves to encourage growth in emotional, creative, or spiritual ways.